The Balmoral hotel

"You know you are in good hands when a hotel has a five-star babies, kids and teens programme. And so you are at The Balmoral, in the beating heart of Edinburgh at 1 Princes Street. Every conceivable baby need is catered for (sterilisers, nappies, baby baths etc), toddlers and upwards get their own little check-in cards, a toy box in the room, a Balmoral teddy to keep, warm milk at bedtime and customised robes and slippers. The Easter Bunny visits at Easter, Santa Claus at Christmas. There’s a special children’s room service menu and, of course, dedicated menus down in Hadrian’s Brasserie supplemented by colouring in and chats with the waiting staff. The hotel even supplies the ducks for bath-time. Teens can swim in the leisure centre, get a girlie manicure in the spa or surf the free wifi."

"Since 1902 the city’s most glamorous wedding have taken place at opulent Balmoral. Situated in Princess Street, next to Waverley Station, it has the most glamorous ballroom in Edinburgh with magnificent chandeliers and castle views. Wedding breakfasts are designed by Michelin star chefs and the spa offers a swimming pool plus the ultimate treatments for pre-wedding pampering."

"Most of this hotel’s exec team have kids – and it shows. Despite a Michelin-starred history and stunning menu, this place manages to make parents feel their children are as important as any adult diner. While us grown-ups munched on some divine haggis, the waiting staff provided stacks of crayons, paper and colouring books and chatted amiably with the kids. And when we retired to bed? A tiny dressing gown, a glass of milk and a biscuit by the children’s beds. Top notch."